ultimate wolf rifle?!

[WA hunter14]

Im looking into getting a gun specifically for wolves (but also large enough caliber for deer at long range). im hoping to get some ideas and discussion going on what people think the ultimate rifle would be for wolves out to longer ranges(about 500 yards)? for me the main factors would be

:semi auto, for multiple wolf oportunity
:accurate, for obvious reasons
:enough knockdown power for deer at longer ranges
:price,personaly i would be hoping to get into something in the 500 to 800 range without optic but cheaper is always better as long as it still gets it done 

So far im thinking ar15 in 6.8 or ar10 in 308. but i really dont know much about this type of thing so the more info the better!

[yorketransport]

This topic seems like it could go horribly wrong!

I say an AR-10 in 260 with 120gr Accubonds would be pretty fun. I would tend to think that any good deer rifle would work pretty well.

Andrew

[Biggerhammer]

The .243 Winchester with the heavies and a 7 or 8 twist would take care of a Wolf nicely out past the yardage you described with minimal recoil. Quality brass available with a huge selection of bullets.

On a AR15 platform. blackHole Weaponry does the 6x6.8 SPC and the 6.5x6.8 SPC or the .243 LBC along with the .264 LBC.

[wadu1]

Like yorketransport said an AR-10 in .308 would be easer to find. The other two on my list of self loaders would be an HK-G3 or NM M-1A both in .308.

[CAMPMEAT]

Bolt action 257 Weatherby. That's what I take with me.

223 AR is all you need for a semi........

[fly-by]

There was an AR-15 in .243 WSSM for sale here recently.  That would be a great choice. 

In AR-10 style rifles DPMS makes the "Lite Hunter" in .243 and .260.  Light profile barrel and carbon fiber handguard keep it under 8 pounds.  There are usually one or two for sale on Gunbroker in the $1100 range.   I have one in .338 Federal and it's great.  You could get a slightly heavier model and the upper end of your stated budget, but it might be a bit much to hoof around.

 

[Curly]

I think a 25-06 would do nicely. 

I don't understand the recommendations for AR's but I guess that is just me.

Edit - oops.  I now see where a semi auto was a requirement. 

[Curly]

You might be able to find a browning BAR used in your price range.  Should be able to find one in 270 or 25-06.

[demontang]

Ive always leaned toward a ar in 25wssm

[grundy53]

This topic seems like it could go horribly wrong!

I say an AR-10 in 260 with 120gr Accubonds would be pretty fun. I would tend to think that any good deer rifle would work pretty well.

Andrew

 
OR

The .243 Winchester with the heavies and a 7 or 8 twist would take care of a Wolf nicely out past the yardage you described with minimal recoil. Quality brass available with a huge selection of bullets.

On a AR15 platform. blackHole Weaponry does the 6x6.8 SPC and the 6.5x6.8 SPC or the .243 LBC along with the .264 LBC.

 
I'm assuming you plan on hunting wolves where it is legal.

[KFhunter]

I thought they made the 7STW for ridge-top to canyon bottom wolf plinking 



The topic is valid as we have more than a couple HW members hunting wolves in MT/ID - and I plan to hunt them in WA when legal.  Might go to MT and ID too.

[grundy53]

I thought they made the 7STW for ridge-top to canyon bottom wolf plinking 



The topic is valid as we have more than a couple HW members hunting wolves in MT/ID - and I plan to hunt them in WA when legal.  Might go to MT and ID too.

I agree. I hunt them in ID.

[WA hunter14]

This topic seems like it could go horribly wrong!

I say an AR-10 in 260 with 120gr Accubonds would be pretty fun. I would tend to think that any good deer rifle would work pretty well.

Andrew

 
OR

The .243 Winchester with the heavies and a 7 or 8 twist would take care of a Wolf nicely out past the yardage you described with minimal recoil. Quality brass available with a huge selection of bullets.

On a AR15 platform. blackHole Weaponry does the 6x6.8 SPC and the 6.5x6.8 SPC or the .243 LBC along with the .264 LBC.

 
I'm assuming you plan on hunting wolves where it is legal.

yea i live in idaho now

[grundy53]

If you ever want to try calling them in maybe go for one of the big bore AR's. Like the 450 Bushmaster, .458 Socom, or the .50 Beowulf. Big chunks of lead and very quick follow up shots.  Plus it'll be more fun getting them in closer  .

[lokidog]

My response would be "the one in your hands when you see the wolf"